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When many people think of traveling to Alaska, they may first think of the aurora borealis and snowy skies in the winter, giving them a sense of inaccessibility and the need for careful planning. In reality, Alaska, a U.S. state located in the northwest corner of North America, is home to an abundance of pristine natural scenery, rare landscapes, wildlife and marine life. The mild summer months, when the aurora borealis is not visible, are the most popular time to visit. For many, a summer trip to Alaska is a highly anticipated, top-of-the-bucket-list endeavor. In the age of information and transportation, it is no longer difficult to travel to Alaska from Taiwan. No matter whether one is fluent in English or not, and no matter whether one is experienced in travel, one can easily set foot on this amazing land and experience the beauty of nature's handiwork!
The Enchantment of an Alaskan Summer
Alaska's summer months, from late May to early September, are the best time of year to visit. Not only are the climates cool and comfortable, the hours of sunshine are long, and the variety of attractions you can visit is immense. With more than 18 hours of sunshine, the entire region has a vibrant atmosphere.
- The Magic of the DaylightThe sun doesn't set until after 10:00 a.m., a time of year that is difficult for people living in the subtropics to realize.
- Active WildlifeMany large animals, such as brown bears, are active in the summer months after hibernating during the winter, making it easy for travelers to see species that are usually hard to find in Asia.
- Natural wonders of various colorsMany of the mountains are gradually turning green and are covered with new growth and wildflowers. From the blue and white of the glacier and snow-capped mountains to the colorful tundra mountains, it is a feast for the eyes.
- Suitable for all kinds of nature lovers: Whether you're a hiker, an avid photographer, or a lover of quirky experiences, an Alaskan summer has something for everyone.
- There are no limits to what you can do in the mountains and in the sea.: Summer is less prone to weather restrictions or impacts, and travelers are free to hike up mountains, watch whales in the ocean, cruise canyons to explore glaciers, and walk through the history of gold panning in the mines.
Top 5 Must-Visit Alaskan Attractions in Summer: Gorge Glaciers, Natural Beauty, Wildlife
1. Whittier and Prince William Bay Cruise
Want to get up close and personal with a glacier breaking up in a movie-like setting? Voyage into breathtaking country from Whittier, the secret land of Alaska.
The small town of Whittier is located on the south coast of Alaska and is connected to Prince William Sound. The best way to explore the bay's glaciers is by sightseeing boat. As the boat sails along the channel, you can get up close and personal with the glaciers as they break up, the ice floes drift by, and you'll have the chance to see sea lions, sea otters and seagulls lazing about.
2. Matanuska Glacier
Live out your bucket list dreams by stepping onto the Matanuska Glacier in a thousand year old ice field of white and blue!
This 40-kilometer-long glacier is one of the few easily accessible glaciers in the United States that you can step on yourself. Professional guides will provide crampons and equipment to lead travelers on a 2-hour hike through the ice to ensure safety. Hearing the sound of ice cracking as you step on the ice is a uniquely Alaskan experience.
* Warm reminder: Matanuska Glacier is located on private land, and you need to go in and out with the group, not free time.
3. Alaska Railroad Scenic Train (ARS)
A must-see for railroad fans! Ride a long-distance train and experience a beautiful scene that changes like a mirage.
From Anchorage, the train travels through valleys and wilderness with snow-covered mountains, glacial lakes and wildlife along the way. With extra-wide windows and a spacious cabin, it's a great way for photographers to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. For travelers who are not familiar with self-driving, this is a special experience that is both safe and comfortable.
4. Anchorage, a modern city living in nature
The scenery is like a painting, with lakes in front and mountains at the back, standing in the middle of nature and feeling the purification of body, mind and spirit.
As Alaska's largest city, Anchorage combines modern urbanism with natural beauty. With attractions such as the Alaska Museum of Natural History, the Cook Inlet Waterfront Trail, and Eklutna Lake, it's easy to get around the city. Hiking along the lake, bird-watching, or taking a walk at sunset to capture the beauty of the mountain line and the light of the setting sun are all healing moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
5. Kenai Peninsula Highway Scenic and Exit Glacier
Witness the imprints of the earth's evolution and travel through the changing landscapes shaped by nature.
On the Seward Highway to Kenai Gorge National Park, the scenery along the way is rich and varied, from canyons, grasslands to glaciers, the scenery is absolutely beautiful, and if you are lucky, you can even see the humpback whales in the distance. When you reach the exit glacier of the National Park, you can see the historical traces left by the glacier, which is not only spectacular and unique, but also one of the most representative geological landscapes in the world.
Things to remember when visiting Alaska｜6 Practical Reminders
1. Weather and clothing: Don't be misled by the word "summer".
Although summer temperatures in Alaska are more pleasant than winter, they are still cool for subtropical travelers, especially early in the morning and late at night when temperatures often fall below 10 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to dress in three layers: an inner layer that wicks away sweat, a middle layer that keeps you warm, and an outer layer that is waterproof and windproof. If you are arranging a glacier hike or canyon cruise, hats and gloves are also important. Alaska has many outdoor trips, so it is recommended to prepare comfortable and durable flat shoes, and waterproof hiking shoes or sneakers would be even better. Although the sunlight in high latitude areas is soft and not hot, the ultraviolet rays are strong, so remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Overall, Alaska's summer climate is highly variable, and alternating wind, rain and fog can occur at any time. Being prepared to dress well not only keeps you warm and protected from the wind, but also makes the trip more comfortable and at ease.
2. Visa and Flight: Prepare in advance for peace of mind.
Although Alaska is located outside of the U.S. mainland and next to Canada, it is still a U.S. territory. All entry requirements are the same as those for other states, and Taiwanese travelers entering the U.S. are required to have a valid visa or a visa to enter the United States. ESTA(Visa Waiver Electronic Travel Authorization) for travelers of other nationalities, subject to that country's rules for entry into U.S. territory. If you choose to transit through Canada, you will need to apply for a separate eTA (Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization).
For flights from Taiwan, most people choose to fly from Taipei to Seattle, San Francisco, or Vancouver for connecting flights to Anchorage. For connecting flights in the U.S., you will need to re-link your checked baggage at the airport of entry, and at some airports, you will need to travel to other terminals for domestic flights. It is recommended that you allow at least 3 hours for connecting flights to avoid any delays in arrivals or international flights that may affect your itinerary.
3. Transportation: High threshold for self-driving, easier to join local tours.
Alaska is a sparsely populated state, with cities and attractions often hours away from each other, limited public transportation, and often spotty internet access. If you don't have experience driving long distances, you can choose a local tour group, which not only has good transportation arrangements, but also prevents you from getting lost or missing attractions in remote areas. If you still want to rent a car, you need to have an international driver's license, a local Chinese driver's license, and be familiar with mountain driving and rental car insurance terms. Some attractions such as the glacier hiking area are not accessible on your own and you need to join a group tour with a local guide.
If you need to rent a car, you canJoin the official Sky Hosre LINE account!The Government has also been providing assistance to the public in the form of a specialised staff member.
Extended Reading:Required Documents for Renting a Car in the U.S.
4. Diet: seafood paradise, less authentic Asian cuisine
Alaska is rich in seafood, and local cuisine commonly includes charcoal-grilled salmon, king crab, halibut, and other dried scallops, oysters, and clams, all of which are fresh and delicious, making it a paradise for seafood-loving gourmets! For those who love seafood, this is a paradise. For the more "exotic" cuisine, there are also elk sausages, whale skin, spruce leaf tips, and Akutaq ice cream, which will satisfy your imagination of exotic food.
If you are worried about not being able to eat these specialty foods or don't like seafood, there are some Asian restaurants in Anchorage, but they are not as popular or authentic as in other major U.S. cities. If you are in other villages, towns or attractions, it is probably even more difficult to find Asian food. Travelers with dietary restrictions can bring their own noodles and snacks to fill their stomachs, but they are not allowed to bring meat products into the U.S., not even processed foods such as jerky or meat floss!
5. Network communication: limited signal in remote areas
Alaska cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks have good internet connection, however, once you enter the glacier, mountain or canyon cruising, your cell phone signal will be very unstable or even no signal at all. It is recommended to download Google Maps offline maps, install translation or travel apps and set up reminders in advance. If you need to contact your friends, relatives or tour guide, you can considerInternet Purchase eSIMYou can rent a SIM card or a Wi-Fi sharer from a local U.S. carrier, but again, be aware of the scope of use.
Sky Horse is exclusively recommended:Saily eSIM｜One-click activation without card replacement is the most convenient!
Supports eSIM-capable iPhones and Android phones with multi-day flexibility.Save the most for seven days for just $ $3.79 If you don't need to make a call, just use the Internet, such as sending LINE, sending IG, watching Google Maps! If you don't need to make a phone call, but just need to access the Internet, such as sending LINE, sending IG messages, or looking at Google Maps, using eSIM is the easiest and most CP-value-added way to travel to the United States!
Visit Alaska with ease! 5 Days 4 Nights Alaska Chinese Guide Itinerary
If you're looking for an easier, less labor-intensive way to see the sights and accomplish these Alaskan experiences, Sky Horse has launched the[5 Days 4 Nights Alaska Summer Travel Itinerary]It's a great choice. The itinerary covers both natural and cultural attractions, and the trip is stress-free, with a Chinese-speaking chauffeur and guide, making it ideal for first-time travelers to Alaska, or for those who have seniors or children traveling with them:
Trip Summary:
- Day 1: Anchorage city tour, visit the world's largest water airport and earthquake park, and experience the magic of a summer sunset.
- Day 2: Travel to the small town of Whittier and take a Portage Glacier Cruise to see glacier and marine life up close, followed by a visit to the Wildlife Conservation Center to get up close and personal with the local native animals.
- Day 3: Matanuska Glacier Ice Field Hiking, explore the wonders of the glacier with a professional guide and experience the magic and magnificence of the ice world.
- Day 4: Travel to the small town of Seward and enter Kenai Gorge National Park to see the Exit Glacier and experience the unique scenery of Alaska's southern coast.
- Day 5: Hike the tundra of Hatcher Pass, visit Independence Mine Park and learn about Alaska's Gold Rush history, ending the trip on a high note.
The itinerary includes a Chinese-speaking guide to accompany the whole trip, connecting transportation, tickets, accommodation and breakfast, which reduces the energy and pressure of planning the trip and driving on your own, and more closely meets the needs of overseas travelers, making Alaska a low-threshold, high-value destination that everyone has the opportunity to visit.
Love at first sight with Alaska
We hope that through our introduction and itinerary planning, Alaska will no longer be a cold northern border that can only be viewed from afar for overseas travelers, but rather a great place where you can really get into nature and explore the wide world. From glaciers and canyons to mountains and wildlife, we believe that every scene will take your breath away and make you fall in love with Alaska at first sight. Whether you choose to rent a car and drive yourself or take a package tour, this trip will be one of the most memorable chapters in your travel memories.
📍 Please refer to the itinerary for more details:Alaska Summer Tours in Chinese or directly through LINE Ask us aboutMore. As a special reminder, summer is Alaska's peak travel season, and popular trips and accommodations often fill up within a short period of time, so it is recommended that you make your reservations early to avoid being cornered!
